A large habitable ‘bunker’ which was illegally excavated and constructed adjacent to a large bird trapping site, in the limits of Rabat, was demolished by the direct action team of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA).

The site, which is situated in an ODZ area, known as L-Izball close to the hamlet of Hoffret ir-Rizz, contained illegal structures that were partially constructed below ground level. Early this morning MEPA officers found the habitable bunker to contain a kitchen area, sleeping quarters and a shower room. The underground habitable structure had windows opening onto a surrounding ditch as well as a timber and glass skylight at roof level.

The illegal structure was surrounded by an illegally built boundary wall that was also removed during the operation. Adjacent to these illegal structures was a large stretch of land that was illegally leveled with sand to serve as a bird trapping area.

The operation was characterized by tense moments when the previously unknown site owner turned up at the initial stages of the direct action. The Mepa enforcement team was assisted by members of the ALE police division.

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